Author: Jessica Ross – Immigration Lawyer
Are you prepared for the Goldfields DAMA transition to the WA DAMA?
If you employ overseas workers in the Goldfields region, and are thinking about using the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) or you already have one in effect, an important change is coming that you should know about.
The Goldfields DAMA will be absorbed into the Western Australia (WA) DAMA on 4 April 2026. This does not mean any existing arrangements will cease immediately, but it does change how new agreements and variations will be handled over the next few months. Please see below for how your business may be impacted by these changes.
What is the Goldfields DAMA?
The Goldfields DAMA is a formal migration agreement with the Commonwealth that allows regional employers to sponsor overseas workers in occupations that are difficult to fill locally. It gives employers access to:
- A wider range of occupations
- Concessions to skill, English and salary requirements
- Permanent residence pathways for certain roles or for some employees aged over 45
Demand has grown rapidly, with a 159% increase in applications from 2022 to 2024, showing how essential the program has become to the region.
What is changing?
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) has advised that the Goldfields DAMA will transition into the WA DAMA on 4 April 2026.
This means that no new Goldfields DAMAs will be able to be entered into, or existing agreements varied, after that date. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) and DOHA will continue to work together to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transition.
If you already have a Goldfields DAMA labour agreement
If you already have a Goldfields DAMA labour agreement, the good news is that your existing agreement will remain valid for its full duration, which in many cases extends up to five years. All concessions, approved occupations, and agreed terms will continue unchanged, and nothing in your current arrangement will be altered until your agreement naturally expires.
If you have an existing five-year Goldfields DAMA and you need to vary it, your last chance to do so will be until February 2026. Although, after expiry of any Goldfields DAMAs, you will not be able to obtain another one through the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and will instead be required to go through the DTWD to obtain a WA DAMA.
Can you still apply under the Goldfields DAMA?
Even though the program ends in 2026:
- You can still apply for a new Goldfields DAMA labour agreement
- You can still apply for variations (changes to occupations, numbers, etc.)
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder can accept new applications for a Goldfields DAMA or variations to existing Goldfields DAMAs up until February 2026 to ensure processing before expiry of the current Goldfields DAMA Agreement.
If your business is considering using the Goldfields DAMA, you should apply as early as possible during 2026.
What happens after 4 April 2026?
After the transition:
- No new Goldfields DAMA applications will be accepted
- No variations to existing Goldfield DAMAs will be implemented
- Employers will need to use the WA DAMA framework instead
- Existing labour agreements under the Goldfields DAMA will continue unchanged
This ensures continuity for businesses while the region moves under a single state wide DAMA structure.
What employers should do now
- Review your existing agreement: Understand your expiry dates, occupations and concessions.
- Plan your workforce needs for the next 3–5 years: If you need more nominations or additional occupations, apply early.
- Lodge new agreements or variations ASAP: Do not wait until last minute, processing capacity will tighten.
- Familiarise yourself with the WA DAMA: Understand how it differs from the Goldfields DAMA and how your workforce strategy may change.
- Contact Immigration Advisers: For personalised advice and guidance, contact our Absolute Immigration Legal Lawyers.
How Absolute Immigration Legal can help
The transition from the Goldfields DAMA to the WA DAMA is more than a procedural update, it has direct implications for your long-term workforce planning. Absolute Immigration Legal can support you by reviewing your existing Goldfields DAMA terms and clarifying how the changes may affect your business, as well as advising whether you should lodge a new labour agreement or variation before the cut-off. We also assess the differences between the Goldfields DAMA and the WA DAMA to determine the most suitable pathway for your workforce needs.
Our team can guide you through preparing a smooth transition to the WA DAMA framework while managing compliance obligations and providing ongoing support throughout the change. If you are unsure how the transition may impact your business or your sponsored workers, contact our team of Immigration Lawyers at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com for any further information on the Goldfields DAMA.